One of the most popular flooring types today is hardwood. It’s available in a wide range of Image may be NSFW.
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types and finishes, and can last over a century (if taken care of properly). Hardwood flooring can add significant value to a home, making it an attractive consideration for many homeowners. But choosing a wood floor can be difficult since there are many options to consider before installing.
Types of Wood
There are many types of wood, but the most popular used for hardwood floors are:
- Red Oak
- White Oak
- Birch
- Beech
- Pine
- Cherry
- Douglas Fir
Once you choose the type of wood you want to install, you’ll need to select a finish. Finishes are important because they seal in the wood and help protect it from moisture and every day wear and tear. It also provides a sleek, finished look to the surface.
The most common types of finishes are:
- Oil-based Urethane
- Water-based Urethane
- Moisture-cured Urethane
- Conversion Varnish
Understanding the Cost
Flooring is priced by the square foot, and hardwood floors can range from the relatively inexpensive ($2 per square foot) to far more expensive for exotic woods (up to $13-$14 per square foot), with the average wood floor ranging around $8 per square foot.
Now that you know what type of floor and finish you’d like, and you have an idea of what it will cost, let’s take a look at some other factors that will determine the best type of wood flooring for your home.
1. The room’s usage - Depending on what room in which the flooring is being installed, different types of hardwood may be more appropriate. For instance, a living room might take more traffic and general wear than a spare bedroom or a home office.
2. The room’s decor - Keep in mind how the room is going to be decorated (colors, themes, furniture). These elements will also dictate which type of flooring will look best, since hardwoods vary in color.
3. The wood’s grade – The grade of the wood should always be considered, since this tells how durable and prone to defects, scratches and dents a wood will be. Higher grades are more durable, while lower grades will retain more dents and scratches.
Whichever type of wood you decided to purchase for your floors, call the experts at Handyman Matters at 1-866-FIX-MY-HOME to take care of the installation from start to finish. You can also enter your zip code above to find a location near you.
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